Houston Texans wide receiver DeVier Posey (11) makes a first down catch as Indianapolis Colts cornerback Cassius Vaughn (32) tries to defend during the second quarter of a NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, in Reliant Stadium in Houston.

Houston Texans wide receiver DeVier Posey (11) makes a first down catch as Indianapolis Colts cornerback Cassius Vaughn (32) tries to defend during the second quarter of a NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 16,

HOUSTON — Better late than never for Texans rookie receiver DeVier Posey.

After spending most of his first season on special teams, Posey made an impact on the offense in the Indianapolis game, catching three passes for 46 yards from quarterback Matt Schaub in a 29-17 win.

Most impressive was Posey's 36-yard reception down the middle in which he was sandwiched between Colts defenders but held the ball.

“He's shown his teammates at practice that he's ready to do that,” Texans coach Gary Kubiak said. “He's been coming on all season. Over the last month, the lights kind of went on for DeVier.”

Expect to see more of Posey in Sunday's game against Minnesota that could be historic for the Texans and the city. If the Texans beat the Vikings, they'll clinch home-field advantage in the playoffs.

“He doesn't have to work so hard (any more) when we put in game plans,” Kubiak said. “He understands things, so his talent has really started to take over. I just think he's got a lot of confidence right now.”

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Posey was behind the other young receivers, Lestar Jean and Keshawn Martin, because he had less college experience. After an outstanding sophomore season at Ohio State, he was suspended for 10 games but played the last three before entering the draft as an underclassman.

“He had missed (almost) a year of football, and it showed when he came to camp (and) early in the season,” Kubiak said. “He was having to catch up. Usually, when players gain a lot of confidence at the end of Year 1, it can lead to some really good things in Year 2.

“DeVier has the size (6-foot-1, 206 pounds) and speed (4.42 seconds in the 40-yard dash). All the skill is there, too.”

Posey played special teams. Then he didn't. Then he got his chance to play receiver and is trying to take advantage of it.

“He's really grown,” said Walter, a 10-year veteran. “You can see each week that he gets better and better. The great thing about him is that he wants to learn. He asks a lot of questions, and he's fun to watch.”

One reason for Posey's improvement has been the way he has watched and learned from Walter and Johnson.

“I've picked up a lot of things from those guys,” Posey said. “They've got the blueprint (for receiver). Kevin does everything right. When you have a guy like that playing for so long — the same with Andre — they have to do something right with their game. They just work on their craft, and they're obsessed with their bodies and taking care of themselves.”

Posey was excited to contribute to the victory over the Colts that clinched a second consecutive AFC South title.

“It was just an opportunity (that I was) trying to take advantage of,” Posey said. “I think that (36-yard gain) was the first pass Matt threw to me. The other one was from T.J. (Yates). I want to build some rapport with him (Schaub) and show him I'm not afraid to get a ball for him.”